A Pilgrim’s Birthday Surprise: Camino de Santiago

In an effort to honor our vow to not walk much more that 12 miles a day, we stopped early in the little village of Vallares de Orbigo. We were first to check in to Albergue Vallares; the only one in town. To our surprise, we found ourselves alone around the dinner table this evening. You've heard it before, but here goes; this was the best meal of the Camino!

Reg and our host, Pablo pose for a quick photo. He fixed us a delicious dinner and we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves!

We enjoyed a delicious salad; a mixture of lettuce, rice, crab, tuna, walnuts and raisins, followed by a vegetable-beef-lentil stew. We also had bread, wine, water and dessert which seem to be standard fare. All was prepared by our host Pablo (who runs the Albergue with his wife Beleny).

We learned that we are eating and sleeping in a converted stable. Pablo and his wife bought the building (an old barn) three years ago when his construction company business in Madrid dwindled with the economy. He has been fixing the place up, doing much of the work himself between construction projects.

While our companions from last night have all moved ahead, Reg and I have enjoyed our first dinner alone in over two weeks. Happy Birthday!